Northern Secondary School

May 19th, 2023

Tuesday, May 23, 2023 10:55 AM

Dear Northern Families,

We had an exciting week with tons of athletics events at home and away. We also had our Grade 12 One Acts performance last night and it was fantastic. Congratulations to all our actors and crew on a great event. You can read a little more below about some of the athletics that took place this week.

We have been working with Toronto Police and students on an issue for some time and want to share the eventual outcome with you. This is a perfect example of Northern students speaking up and making not just the school, but the community safer. While to some reporting issues may not be “cool”, the creation of a safer place for all is a noble outcome. Thank you to all our students that come forward with safety, bullying, and other concerns. Details of this matter here: https://www.cp24.com/mobile/news/man-accused-of-following-recording-teen-girls-in-midtown-toronto-1.6401338

Please ask your student if they have completed the Student Census Survey for the TDSB. We currently have about a 35% completion rate and want to make sure Northern voices are represented in the board data. Please encourage your student to look in their TDSB email for a message about the survey and ask them to complete it. Thank You!

Graduation Students- if you have not filled in the google form for commencement information (like gown size etc) do so this weekend or you will be out of luck. Thank You!

Semester 2 Final Exams: Please find HERE the Semester 2 Final Exam Schedule. You will note the adjustments from the TDSB’s original exam schedule in order to accommodate the necessary shift of commencement to June 27th (at 1pm). More details like room numbers for exams will be shared as we get closer to June. NOTE: We will be moving the grade 9 EQAO dates up. We are short computers to have all students write as per the original schedule. This will not impact any other exams. This will be reflected in a schedule update next week.

4 Things to Know About Northern Next Week:

  1. Monday: Victoria Day Holiday- no school!
  2. Wednesday: Late Start @9:55am
  3. Wednesday: School Council Meeting @6:30pm (details below)
  4. Friday: Prom!

 

Northern Lights:

Save the date! Northern will be holding its first combined Arts and Tech interactive exhibition on Thursday, June 1st from 6:30 - 8:30. There will be performances, exhibits and workshops in Visual Arts, Ceramics, Drama, Music, Dance, Film, Photography, Architecture, Fashion and Robotics. Please see our attached POSTER !

 

Rugby:

It is with great pleasure that I am sharing this rugby article written by Sam Laskaris. (An alumni parent) Our program is rebuilding after Covid and the future looks very promising. All of the rugby coaches and players are looking forward to the opportunities this playoff season will offer. Thank you to all of you who support our athletic and extra- curricular activities.

Sincerely, Daniel Gana (teacher/ coach)

 

Robotics Club – Community Outreach

Last Friday, the Northern Robotics Team, Knight Owls visited AHS Danilack, a Jewish day school, to introduce the broader community to robotics as well as other STEM concepts. The Knight Owls held a presentation and robot demo introducing the students to the FIRST Robotics Competition and demonstrated their competition robot from the 2023 robotics season. To end the day with the grade 7’s, the Knight Owls led a workshop creating tug-of-war robots using VEX-IQ. If you would like to see some of the photos from the event you can check them out at:

https://knightowls.ca/albums/2023/ahs

https://knightowls.ca/gallery

It was a big step in the team’s community outreach program. The Robotics Team is currently looking for more community hubs such as hospitals, schools, and community centers to organize similar activities. If you or anyone you know would like to participate, please contact the team at hello@knightowls.ca.

If you would like to learn more about the Northern Robotics Team, please visit the team’s website at https://knightowls.ca or come by the Northern Lights exhibit taking place on June 1st where the team will be running demos with many opportunities to meet and support the team.

 

School Council Meeting:

May 24 - 6:30 - In person/hybrid - Northern Library - Join us for our last meeting of the year! There will be a principal's update, committee reports, and an opportunity to evaluate the year and plan ahead. Email nss.school.council@gmail.com for a link if you'd like to join virtually. We'll do our best to provide a hybrid model, but bear with us on our first attempt!

 

The Canadian and World Studies Department

This week was a busy one in the CWS department. Mr. Dahlke's grade 11 Ancient Civ class headed to the ROM for a day of learning about ancient Rome. After a three year hiatus the NSS History @ UofT event took place on May 17. Students had the opportunity to attend an afternoon at the University of Toronto learning about Russian history, Canadian treaty law and Latin American history. A special thank you to Mr. Dingwall for organizing and facilitating the event.

Our grade 9 geography classes were also busy! During the second half of May grade 9 Geography students have been going on walking excursions around the Yonge-Eglinton neighborhood. They are learning all about sustainable cities including eco-friendly initiatives such as bike share stations, green spaces and the dynamics of the new condo developments. Thanks to the geography team for leading this initiative.

 

Student Leadership Opportunities:

Hey Northern,

Do you have leadership skills? Do you enjoy being part of a team? Do you want to welcome incoming English Language Learners to Northern? If you answered yes, then apply to be a PAL for next year!

We plan cool events like game nights, cookie decorating, grilled cheese lunches, skating trips and cultural fairs. Becoming a PAL will help you strengthen your leadership skills, make new friends and make a difference at school.

Fill out the google form in our NSS PALS’ instagram bio or see the link below. Forms close on Thursday, May 25.

PALS 2023-2024 application form

 

LUMENUS CONTINUED SERVICES AT NORTHERN…..BUILDING FOR THE FUTURE

Dear parents of Northern Secondary students,

Lumenus Community Services continues to provide key mental health services at Northern Secondary, in partnership with TDSB’s specialized support services. We are a hosting a parent-only virtual session on May 23rd 5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. to share new and exciting opportunities to benefit the students at Northern Secondary.

  1. is the link for meeting: https://lumenus-ca.zoom.us/j/3535565812. Please come and join us.

Look forward to seeing you,

The Lumenus team

 

Class of 2023:

Commencement:

The 2023 Northern graduation ceremony will take place on Tuesday, June 27th at 1:00 p.m. Our ceremony usually lasts approximately 3 hours. The ceremony will be held at the University of Toronto’s Convocation Hall located at 31 King’s Circle College, Toronto.

This year our Graduation Package Fee is $30 per student and includes tickets for you PLUS two (2) guests and gown purchase.

Grad fees can be paid using School Cash Online beginning until Friday June 9th. Please print/ keep your confirmation/receipt as proof of payment.

Please refer to the email sent to students and their families that are in a graduating position for more details.

 

Northern Secondary School Foundation

The 4th Northern Secondary School Foundation Online Auction

will be held in September 2023.

Graciously accepting donations to the auction from the community.

Contact us at info@nssf.com to donate an item or service.

Electronic devices, gift cards, art work, rounds of golf, tickets to theatre or sports events

Tax receipts for donated items. Donors recognized on our website

All proceeds to student scholarships and grants to student led enrichment activities.

Thanks to all alumni and parents who have already made a donation.

 

Guidance Updates:

  1. Thinking about taking a course at TDSB Summer School?

Want to know the difference between ConEd. Summer and e-Summer school?

Check out this chart that compares ConEd and e-Summer School.

TDSB Summer e-LearningRegistration is OPEN

Check out this link for more info about TDSB Summer e-Learn.

July e-Learn registration CLOSES June 9, 2023 at 4pm

August e-Learn registration CLOSES July 6, 2023 at 4pm

TDSB Con-Ed In-person & Remote Summer School: Registration is OPEN and Closes June 10, 2023 at 4pm

Check out this link for more info about TDSB Con-Ed Summer

TDSB Con Ed Remote Credit Recovery (for students who earn 1-49%) click here

  1. Haven’t received an OUAC offer? Use the Admission Information Service (AIS)

Starting June 5, 2023, Ontario high school students can use the AIS to

find possible openings at Ontario universities. To begin your search, visit www.ouac.on.ca/ouac-101

Once you find an open program of interest, add it to your 101 application.

Requirements:

• You will be completing or have completed the OSSD (or equivalent),

including six 4U/M courses, by August 2023.

• You must have an average of at least 60%, although higher averages

are usually required.

Visit: www.ouac.on.ca/ouac-101 Call: 519-823-1063, Email: 101sup@ouac.on.ca

Post- Secondary Updates:

Individual colleges and universities are booking presentations with NSS. Be sure to check out the Post-Secondary calendar in the Grade 12 Guidance Google Classroom for dates and times.

OUAC Updates can be found here.

  1. Graduating and have not handed in your 40 Community Involvement hours? Please note, we ask for May 31, 2023 to be the last day you submit your hours. See your Guidance Counsellor if you have any questions.

Please note: the TDSB Volunteer Policy States that an eligible volunteer activity constitutes:

An event or activity designed to be of benefit to the community.

A volunteer activity – not for pay or credit.

An event or activity to support a not-for-profit initiative.

For more information please visit the TDSB Community Involvement policy.

Students, looking for Volunteer or Youth Employment Opportunities? Check your Student Guidance Google classroom: Gr. 9 code: 4ixv2jl; Gr. 10 code: kmv6fcz; Gr. 11 code: twdxca6; Gr. 12 code

  1. Trades Report: Interested in learning more about a career in the Trades?

The April issue of The Trades Report is now posted. Be sure to scroll down the page on the website and click download.

Northern students, teachers, and families can access from this link using the password Click here to access the Trades Report.

The password is: trad1

Please note: This resource is copyrighted and only available to Northern families - please do not share outside of the Northern community.

  1. Summer U of T Programming: Registration is now open for youth summer programs from the Faculty of Applied Science and Engineering. Returning this year will be the Da Vinci Engineering Enrichment Program (DEEP) for high school students and Jr. DEEP for elementary school students. The programming also includes two streams of coding workshops and CREATE, designed for highly committed and motivated students who have an interest in problem-solving and global issues.

Daniels Design Discovery provides a comprehensive introduction to the

discipline of architecture, giving you the opportunity to experience different

ways of seeing, thinking, and making through the lens of design.

The program will develop your skills in a broad range of design tools and

techniques, providing a strong foundation to explore your creative potential.

 

  1. Opting-Out of the e-Learning Graduation Requirement
    Students may withdraw from the online e-Learning requirement. A parent/caregiver/guardian or student (18 years of age or older or 16 or 17 years of age and withdrawn from parental control) may withdraw by submitting the TDSB Opt Out/Withdrawal Form to their school. No explanation or reason is needed to opt out/withdraw.

If you are not ready to make a decision with regard to participating in e-Learning, there will be future opportunities to participate in e-Learning courses or withdraw from the graduation requirement. A final decision is not required at this time.

If you have decided now to withdraw from the graduation requirement, please complete the TDSB Opt Out/Withdrawal Form.

  1. Help Ahead is an organization to help connect people to Mental Health resources. https://helpahead.ca/ Not sure where to turn? It’s okay, we’re here to help you. Help Ahead is the centralized phone line to access child, youth and family mental health and well-being resources.

 

Have a great long weekend!

Adam Marshall

Principal

Follow me @PrincipalNSS